THE Dining Cashback program is a positive way to build consumer confidence in seafood, says Nick’s Fish Market owner Daryl Bairstow.
Mr Bairstow said since the algal bloom was discovered in March 2025 he had seen a 10 to 13 per cent decrease in sales each month, with many people concerned eating fish would affect their health.
“Customer confidence has diminished, people are a bit scared to eat South Australian seafood,” he said.
“They don’t know that the produce we’re producing isn’t affected by any of this; it’s come from different regions, different areas, different water temperatures, different water depths and it’s only a percentage of the coastline.”
But he said the Dining Cashback program, as well as assurances from health officials, helped let people know seafood was safe to eat.
“They are saying 20 to 30pc [of SA waters are affected] – well, that leaves 70pc of the fishery unaffected,” he said.
“I don’t see too many commercial fishermen out front of Adelaide.
“I see a lot of commercial fishermen in the Spencer Gulf, West Coast, Venus Bay, Port Lincoln, Ceduna, all those areas.”
It was too early to know if the program had helped sales, but in his first week on board Mr Bairstow said about six customers mentioned they were taking advantage of the deal.
“I reckon 50pc of them were new customers, and people not even from Murray Bridge, just from the region, Strathalbyn, everywhere,” he said.
Mr Bairstow said he was even encouraging his regular customers to enter the ballot.
“It doesn’t cost you anything to apply, it’s just a voucher you’ll get, if you spend $100 they’ll give you $50 back.”
Cashback is 50% of the tax invoice, up to a maximum of $50.*
To learn more about the Dining Cashback or enter the ballot visit southaustralia.com/diningcashback
Promoted by the South Australian Tourism Commission, L 9, 250 Victoria Sq, Adelaide SA 5000; Licence Nos. T25/2028, T25/2027 & T25/2026. Vouchers are 50% cashback offer, up to $50. To enter and for full T&Cs, visit southaustralia.com/diningcashback. *Limitations apply.
